Exams are done for, so I'm back at full strength for the next few weeks. This week a bit more content than the last issue of Advance Weekly, but then again: this is the 25th issue already.

Let's start with the industry rumours. Most of might have already read this, but I think it's still worth mentioning. Last week, MVC UK claimed they received some information about a big Nintendo internal conference being held 'early December'. Apart from talking about the first loss-figures, "a full rundown of the games giant's next home console is expected to be top of the agenda". MVC UK continued with claiming that both a new home console and a new handheld are in the making. The handheld was said to be launched early in the year (ahead of Sony's PSP), while the home console will follow in Q4 2004.

Axel Herr (president of Nintendo of Germany/Europe) also stated that "the new product will be shown during E3 2004" and that "Nintendo is trying to release this product worldwide before the end of 2004".

Next up: a game which reminded me of Pandemonium when I first saw it. Midway released a trailer and a short movie on one of their upcoming games: Ozzy & Drix. The story? Imagine a white blood cell cop called Ozzy, and an over-the-counter cold pill sidekick called Drix. These two will try to protect a teenage boy (Hector Cruz) from the dreaded "Phlegm-alanche" and faceoff against nemesis Spryman and Gluteus. All this from the inside of Hector... The game itself will consist of a mixture between 3D dimensional platform action and 3D arcade driving. Well, Midway has certainly drawn my attention with this title.

On to the next game: Xyanide. People who also are into the XBox-scene might recognize this title. I received information from the Playlogic, that the science fiction shoot-'em-up will also be released on the GBA platform, and is also in development for the Nokia N-Gage. Both mobile versions are currently scheduled for February or March 2004.

More futuristic footage came from Nintendo this week. In Japan, the new F-Zero: Blue Falcon has already been released. Nonetheless, they decided to release 3 extra movies showing the game once more. Just click the appropriate link to view the corresponding movie: movie 1, movie 2 or movie 3.

Banpresto joined the fun aswell this week. Some information and screenshots of their newest project leaked to The Magicbox. A brand new Dragonball Z fighting game (and I'm not talking about Taiketsu here). As for now, the game looks very promising.

I have to admit, my face showed a little smile when I had to inform a department of TDK that they ARE publishing a new Muppets-title, called Spy Muppets: License to Croak. In Spy Muppets: License to Croak, your favorite frog (Kermit!) is now the planet's most famous secret agent. On his latest mission, Agent Kermit the Frog must stop the secret plan of a mysterious Master Villain in 15 spy-themed levels. You will out-run your enemies in your super spy car, getaway in a speed boat, sneak through warehouses, and try to fight your way out of the Swedish Chef's giant omelet pan. With evil villains such as Piggy Galore and Dr. Nose, this title might actually cause a smile on the face of the average muppets-lover aswell.

I also have a nice scoop for you (only got it in my mailbox today myself). Pitfall Harry is no more. But don't start worrying yet, the game has simply faced a namechange. Pitfall : The Lost Expedition is the new name and will be released in Europe on February 20, 2004.

More screens and information released this week can be found using the links below again (though it's a short list again).

• Max Payne Advance (screens)
• Spy Muppets: License to Croak (screens)
• Xyanide (screens)

Comments are welcome (especially positive ones) and can be send to advanceweekly at gba.n64europe.com.

Dennis Stam
(aka Blackbird on the boards)